Secondhand Smoke Exposure: Health Risks & Effects on Your Body

Secondhand smoke (SHS) contains >7,000 chemicals (hundreds toxic, ~70 carcinogens). There is no safe level of exposure.

Health Risks by System

• Respiratory: Irritation, cough, wheeze, asthma exacerbation, COPD progression, reduced lung function growth in children.
• Cardiovascular: Endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, increased atherosclerosis, 25–30% higher coronary heart disease and stroke risk.
• Cancer: Lung cancer (20–30% increased risk in never-smokers); also laryngeal, pharyngeal, nasal sinus, breast (limited evidence).
• Reproductive/Child Health: Low birth weight, preterm birth, SIDS (2–3x risk), childhood asthma, ear infections, impaired lung development.
• Metabolic: Insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes risk.
• Neurocognitive: Cognitive decline, dementia risk in older adults; behavioral issues in children.

Vulnerable Populations

• Children (developing lungs, higher respiratory rate)
• Pregnant women
• Elderly
• Preexisting heart/lung disease

Protection Strategies

• 100% smoke-free homes and vehicles (ventilation/air purifiers insufficient)
• Choose smoke-free housing, childcare, workplaces
• Support comprehensive smoke-free laws
• Encourage smokers to quit (resources: 1-800-QUIT-NOW, smokefree.gov)

SHS causes ~41,000 adult deaths and 400 infant deaths annually in the US alone. Elimination of exposure is the only effective protection.